Fast-Track Your Teaching Career in Washington State: 3 Ways to Grow Your Career and Salary

Teaching is a challenging but rewarding career. In Washington State, educators enjoy competitive salaries, a supportive community, and comprehensive benefits. There’s also a strong demand for qualified teachers in Washington — which means there’s plenty of room for career advancement and growth. 

Below are 3 strategies to help you grow your teaching career in the Evergreen State. Whether you’re a new teacher or a seasoned veteran looking to take your career to the next level, these strategies can help you maximize your salary, expand your opportunities, and make a lasting impact on schools and student lives. 

1. Step into Leadership Roles 

Taking on leadership roles can fast-track your career while adding extra income. Many Washington school districts offer stipends for teachers who take on mentorship, curriculum development, or coaching roles. 

Mentoring a new teacher, leading professional learning communities, or serving as a department chair are all excellent ways to gain leadership experience while increasing your salary. In Seattle Public Schools, for example, professional learning community coaches earn more than $2,000 per year, making this a great opportunity for educators looking to take on more responsibility. These types of roles also set you up for future career advancements, including administrative positions. 

Leadership roles expand your impact as well. Teaching isn’t confined to the classroom, and when you take on additional responsibilities, you get additional opportunities to invest in students and facilitate their growth and development. Think back to your own school days. You probably remember a favorite teacher, someone who encouraged and supported you. But you likely remember a favorite coach, director, or advisor as well. These types of leaders are positioned to have an outsized impact on student lives. 

2. Get Fully Certified

Washington’s “Grow Your Own” initiatives aim to address teacher shortages while increasing workforce diversity. These programs provide financial assistance, mentorship, and clear pathways to certification for aspiring educators, including paraprofessionals, emergency substitutes, and community members looking to transition into teaching. 

If you’re teaching in a Washington school on a conditional certificate, taking advantage of the “Grow Your Own” program and earning your professional teaching certification is one of the fastest ways to boost your career and salary. Certified teachers typically get an automatic pay bump, not to mention the skills, techniques, and strategies you’ll learn while completing your Educator Preparation Program. 

If you need a fast, flexible EPP, Moreland University’s TEACH-NOW Teacher Preparation Certificate Program is 100% online and can be completed in as little as 9 months. TEACH-NOW is designed for busy, working professionals, allowing you to earn your certification while working full-time and balancing life’s responsibilities.

3. Earn an Advanced Degree

Once you have your professional certification, the next step is a master’s degree, which can significantly boost your salary and open doors to new opportunities. 

For example, in Seattle Public Schools, the 2022-2023 salary schedule shows that a first-year teacher with a bachelor’s degree earns $57,097, while a first-year teacher with a master’s degree starts at $66,175 — a 15.6% salary increase. This difference grows over time, making an advanced degree a strong investment in your future. 

Nationwide, teachers with master’s degrees have an average top salary that’s $10,457 a year more than the top salary for teachers with a bachelor’s only, according to the National Education Association.  

You can also use your master’s degree to expand your knowledge in a particular area. If you’re passionate about diversity and the global education community, for example, you could earn your master’s in globalization and education research. Or maybe you’d like to grow into an administrator role. You could earn a master’s in educational leadership. 

Moreland University offers three fully online master’s programs, including an M.Ed. with six high-demand specializations. Designed for busy educators, these programs can be completed in as little as 12 months, helping you advance your career on your schedule. 

Take the Next Step with Moreland University 

Washington’s growing demand for qualified educators makes this the perfect time to invest in your future. Whether you’re earning your teaching certification or advancing with an M.Ed., Moreland University offers flexible, innovative programs designed to help Washington teachers succeed. 

Ready to fast-track your career? Apply today and begin your journey with Moreland.